MICROPHONE & GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
These are just some of the gear I recommend and you should choose what to invest in based on your needs and budget. Below are links from my favourite pro-audio retailer in Canada, Long & McQuade, for products that you can purchase directly from them. They have locations across Canada with an excellent return policy. These are NOT affiliate links, I just like them. 🙂
Alternatively, Tom Lee Music or Henry’s also carry audio equipment and accessories.
You can use these links to find names for items to purchase through your preferred retailer, such as Sweetwater or your local Guitar Center for my American friends.
Low-End Budget Microphones
Items in the low-end budget usually consist of a full package. Check to see what accessories you may still need or upgrade from their desktop mic stand to a full mic stand for flexibility.
ATR2100x (May no longer be available)
Samson Q2U (My recommended pick in this price range.)
Mid-Range Budget Microphones
Items in the mid & high-range budgets will need to purchase additional accessories such as a mic stand or an interface if it does not have a USB connector. (ie uses an XLR cable) Check what comes with each mic to see what else you may need to purchase.
Shure MV7+Â – has a USB cable (also comes in a pack that includes a short tabletop desk stand) excellent for different recording situations as it works with their Shure Motive App
Shure SM58 – XLR cable – classic handheld microphone that takes a beating if you need to store it when not in use. The cable needs to be purchased separately.
AT2040 – XLR cable – excellent at rejecting noise from your room
Rode PodMic – XLR cable or comes with a USB/XLR combo – goes great with Rodecaster Pro
Samson Q9U – has a USB cable – great if you know your laptop tends to have a hum or for people who have a higher frequency or pitch to their voice as it picks up more mid-ranges
High-End Budget Microphones
Items in the high-range budgets will need to purchase additional accessories such as a cloud lifter to get the maximum sound quality of the mic
Shure SM7B – classic
Electro-Voice RE20 – excellent for people with a higher frequency or pitch to their voice as it picks up more mid-ranges
Additional Optional Gear & Accessories
Headphones are vital. If you don’t have any:
Audio interfaces – this box connects an XLR cable mic to this box which then has a USB to connect to your computer:
Focusrite Scarlett Solo – for only one microphone
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – for you and a co-host in one room recording together
For in-person recording:
Zoom H5Â or Zoom H6 handheld recorder
Zoom Expansion Module for Zoom H5
RODEcaster Pro – excellent for 4 or more people with connection to your laptop or phone with all the bells and whistles to create each episode
RODEcaster Pro II – the upgraded version of the RODEcaster Pro that records cleaner audio (low noise and higher volumes)
Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder – smaller recorder for 4 people
Optional accessories:
Tripod Standing Mic Stand, desk clamp boom arm, or an adjustable height desktop stand
Microphone cable (buy the correct length for your needs)
Cloudlifter (to boost the sound from a high-end budget mic)